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★Expert Early Years Apprenticeships Training Provider

Think Early Years,
Think Eden.

Specialist Early Years apprenticeships, teacher training and professional development designed to help people reach their potential.

Eden Training Solutions is one of England’s leading Early Years training providers, supporting nurseries, schools, employers and apprentices with high-quality, sector-focused programmes.

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✓ Gold Standard for Leadership in Safeguarding
✓ Sunday Times Top 10 Best Places to Work
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15+
Years of Excellence

WHY EDEN

Early Years Training Built Around Real Settings

At Eden, we understand that every early years setting needs confident, capable and qualified practitioners who can make a positive difference to children, families and teams.

Our programmes are designed around the needs of employers and apprentices, combining expert teaching, Skills Coach support, practical workplace learning and enrichment resources that help learners grow in confidence, knowledge and professional practice.

Expert Skills Coaches
Practical Workplace
Learning
Rich Enrichment Resources
EPA Preparation Support
john o boyle managing director

“

I’ve always believed that investing in training isn’t just about skills, it’s about unlocking potential. When we give people the tools to grow, we strengthen organisations and create resilience in challenging times. For me, apprenticeships are one of the most powerful ways to achieve this, they build confidence, capability and careers that truly make a difference.

Jon O’Boyle

Managing Director, Eden Training Solutions

OUR PROGRAMMES

Find the Right Eden Course

Industry-informed national apprenticeship programmes backed by over 15 years of sector expertise.

Early Years Initial Teacher Training

A progression route for practitioners who want to achieve Early Years Teacher Status and lead high-quality practice.

⏱ Duration 12 months
♙ Funding Fully funded
✩ Outcome EYTS

Fully funded opportunities available, get in touch to enquire.

Early Years Practitioner Level 2

A progression route for practitioners who plan, deliver and assess high-quality early education and care in line with the EYFS.

⏱ Duration 12–14 months
♙ Funding £5,000
✩ £0 co-investment*
Eligible apprentices aged 16–24

*For new starts from 1 August 2026. Eligibility and funding band limits apply.

Fully funded opportunities available, get in touch to enquire.

effective learning in early years

Early Years Educator Level 3

A progression route for practitioners who plan, deliver and assess high-quality early education and care in line with the EYFS.

⏱ Duration 12–16 months
♙ Funding £7,000
✩ £0 co-investment*
Eligible apprentices aged 16–24

*For new starts from 1 August 2026. Eligibility and funding band limits apply.

Fully funded opportunities available, get in touch to enquire.

teaching assistant

Teaching Assistant Level 3

A progression route for teaching support staff who help pupils learn, develop and progress in school settings.

⏱ Duration 12–15 months
♙ Funding £7,000
✩ £0 co-investment*
Eligible apprentices aged 16–24

*For new starts from 1 August 2026. Eligibility and funding band limits apply.

Fully funded opportunities available, get in touch to enquire.

Nursery Manager Challenges for hiring new staff

Early Years SENCO Level 3

A specialist route for early years practitioners supporting children with SEND and inclusive practice in the EYFS.

⏱ Duration 6 months
♙ Funding Fully funded
✩ Qualification Level 3

Fully funded opportunities available, get in touch to enquire.

Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5

A progression route for practitioners who plan, deliver and assess high-quality early education and care in line with the EYFS.

⏱ Duration 15–18 months
♙ Funding £9,000
✩ £0 co-investment*
Eligible apprentices aged 16–24

*For new starts from 1 August 2026. Eligibility and funding band limits apply.

Fully funded opportunities available, get in touch to enquire.

sign and speech therapy course image two people signing to communicate

Early Years Speech, Language & Communication Specialist Level 5

Help children overcome speech, language and communication barriers with specialist Level 5 training designed for early years practitioners ready to become their setting's speech and language champion.

⏱ Duration up to 21 months
♙ Funding Fully funded
✩ Qualification Level 5

Fully funded opportunities available, get in touch to enquire.

EDEN ENRICHMENT

More than an Apprenticeship..

Every Eden apprenticeship includes additional enrichment designed to support confidence, wellbeing and professional development. Learners and employers can access exclusive resources including courses, CPD, podcasts and downloadable activities.

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FOR EMPLOYERS

Apprenticeship Funding That Works for Employers

Eden apprenticeships are supported by government funding, with many employers paying only a 5% contribution. Apprenticeships can also support staff retention, productivity, service quality and career progression.

95%

Government funded for eligible employers

£1,000

Incentive for eligible younger apprentices

Get Started →
early years education teacher

Eden Blog

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September 2026 The Department for Education (DfE) has updated its Prevent guidance for Designated Safeguarding [...]

7 Top Early Years Qualifications and Courses in the UK for 2026

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Early Years Educator Skills Employers Are Seeking in 2026

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Level 2 vs Level 3 Childcare: Entry Requirements for UK Careers

Quick Summary: You do not always need a Level 2 childcare qualification before starting a [...]

Internet Safety in the Early Years: Keeping Young Children Safe in a Digital World

Digital technology is now an ordinary part of young children’s lives. From watching videos and [...]

Understanding Child Brain Development as a Nursery Practitioner

How can I learn about child brain development as a nursery practitioner? If you’ve ever [...]

From Birth Onwards: Adapting Pedagogy to Meet Every Child’s Stage of Development

Why the revised 2026 Birth to 5 Matters guidance places babies, relationships and developmentally appropriate [...]

Beyond Paper Policies: Driving Real Safeguarding Culture Under the Updated EYFS

Many early years settings rely on detailed policy folders and annual training to show they [...]

The Benefits, Incentives and Joys of Completing a Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship with Eden Training Solutions

Investing in your future – while making a difference to children’s lives Working in the [...]

Ready to Build
a Stronger Early Years Team?

Whether you are recruiting new talent, upskilling existing staff or exploring a specialist Early Years training partner, Eden can help.

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FAQ’s

Here, you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding our Early Years Apprenticeships and related childcare courses.

We cover topics such as nursery apprenticeships, the role of an early years educator, becoming a teaching assistant, and what it means to be an early years practitioner.

Our goal is to provide you with valuable information to help you make informed decisions about your education and career path in the Early Years sector.

A nursery apprenticeship, also known as an early years apprenticeship, is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to become an Early Years Practitioner. These practitioners work with babies and young children from birth to 5 years of age, providing them with care, support, and educational programs to foster their learning and development. As part of a professional team, Early Years Practitioners work under the guidance of an Early Years Educator to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements for children from birth to 5 years of age.

Throughout the 13-month Level 2 apprenticeship, learners will gain hands-on experience in various aspects of early years care, including supporting children through transitions, identifying risks and hazards, promoting health and wellbeing, and carrying out respectful care routines. 

An Early Years Educator is a highly trained professional who plays a vital role in ensuring the healthy development, learning, and well-being of young children. They work in various settings, such as full day care centers, children’s centers, pre-schools, reception classes, and as childminders. These educators may work independently or supervise others to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements set by the government for the learning, development, and care of children from birth to 5 years old.

Eden’s Level 3 Early Years Educator course is a 16-month program that equips learners with essential knowledge and skills in child development, learning theories, and promoting diversity and inclusion. Participants gain expertise in early education curriculum requirements, literacy and numeracy development, and supporting children through transitions. The course emphasizes care, compassion, and integrity, preparing learners to provide high-quality care and education in various settings.

If you’re wondering how to become a teaching assistant, you’re in the right place.

The primary role of a Teaching Assistant is to support the class teacher in enhancing pupils’ learning and ensuring their well-being in a positive, nurturing, and safe environment.

The Level 3 Teaching Assistant course, which lasts 15 months, covers a variety of modules that provide essential technical knowledge and skills. These modules include understanding how pupils learn and develop, technology, working with teachers for assessment and curriculum support, keeping children safe, developing support strategies, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving to motivate pupils.

The course also emphasises the importance of building relationships, embracing change, promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion, upholding professional standards and personal accountability, and fostering team working and collaboration. Additionally, Eden’s Teaching Assistant apprenticeship includes enrichment sessions on digital skills and road safety awareness for all learners. Upon completion, teaching assistants play a vital role in providing one-on-one support, ensuring access to education for all children, offering extra supervision, relieving teachers’ workload, and implementing strategies to help students excel.

The Early Years Practitioner course equips learners with the knowledge and understanding necessary to work with babies and young children from birth to 7 years of age in the early years’ sector. As part of a professional team guided by an Early Years Educator, practitioners support the planning and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities, and educational programs, while adhering to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements for learning, development, and care of children from birth to 5 years of age.

During the 13-month course, learners develop technical skills such as supporting children through transitions, identifying risks and hazards, promoting health and well-being, and communicating effectively with children and adults. Additionally, they learn the importance of reflective practice, continued professional development, and working cooperatively with colleagues, other professionals, and parents or caregivers. The course also emphasizes key underpinning attitudes and behaviours, including care, compassion, honesty, trust, integrity, a positive work ethic, and commitment to non-discriminatory practices.